This is just a sampling of the sentiments Lakota West language arts teacher Bethany Dunn wants her students to walk away with after their first couple days in her class. It stands in stark contrast to how she viewed the start to a new school year when she first started her career 13 years ago.

In light of Superintendent Matthew Miller’s request that staff spend the first two days of school setting the tone for the year rather than jumping into the curriculum, Dunn takes the wheel this month on Lakota’s “Inside Lakota Learning” blog. Through an inspiring post about what it means to build meaningful relationships and break through to her students, Dunn reflects on her own student experience - and now her own parent experience - and asks her readers to do the same.

Rooted in Dunn’s message is an important lesson that can be applied to any profession or relationship. She emphasizes the critical role she fills as an educator, a mentor and a friend from day one.

Lakota educators are the voice behind the all-new “Inside Lakota Learning” blog. Contributing authors are bridging the gap between how learning strategies in the classroom can be reinforced at home.